What the Manolo Is…
Manolo says, it is the Tuesday, and you know what that it means, time to see what the Manolo is…
Going to Have to Read When It Comes Out but Will Probably Not Enjoy…
Manolo says, yes the Manolo he loves the Clampetts. Their antics they have always made the Manolo laugh.
The Manolo he knows that the elaborate critique of the disposable pop culture it is somewhat ridiculous, however he cannot help himself, this one he found at the Amazon site it is worth the reading.
Watching this DVD collection, I came to realize just how fundamentally good and smart that show was. It was brilliant in its conception and execution. Jed Clampett is the show’s moral compass; he is a New Testament figure in his fundamental good-will toward all, trusting, forgiving, and absolutely lacking in any sort of irony or sarcasm. Granny is the ultimate Old Testament fiesty matriarch, whose superstitious beliefs are based on mistrust, fear, and retribution. Ellie May is the Wood Nymph, who most closely resembles Jed in attitude (by way of her heart, more than the moral thinking of Jed). Lastly, Jethro is the the Modern Man, who is driven by ambition, with few thoughts of consequence, who sides with Granny in schemes, tempered by his naive/shallow beliefs in Good Results. As a foursome, they confound the world that confounds them.Mr. Drysdale and Miss Hatheway provide bookends to the Clampett clan, in the roles of Id and Super Ego, each attempting to direct and/or prevent the family’s actions at cross-purposes to the other.
Everything about the show is brilliant, sweet, and silly, with a massive moral lesson hidden in the guise of a goofball comedy.
This it is ridiculous, but also nonetheless perfectly correct in its essence.
And thus we should seek to emulate the Jed in his kindness and generosity, in his open and trusting nature, and in his simple but deep and tolerant love for the eccentric members of his family and for his fellow humans.
November 15th, 2005 at 9:40 am
Gah! The Manolo, he adds to my reading list weekly! For which I am eternally grateful. My wallet, sadly, she is not as grateful. Perhaps the books will go on the Christmas list instead…..
November 15th, 2005 at 9:43 am
OMG … Mr. Dysdale as Id and Miss Hathaway as Super Ego?? Anyone attempting to psychoanalyze The Beverly Hillbillies has way more time than sensibility.
A suprising choice, Manolo, especially when couple with your listening and reading selections! It’s nice to be surpised, no?
November 15th, 2005 at 9:45 am
Gah! make that “coupled” and “surprised” … cursed submit thingy without the ability to edit!!!!
November 15th, 2005 at 11:03 am
We didn’t realize how lucky we were when they had comedy as innovative as the ‘Hillbillies’. Well written, cute and funny with well-drawn stereotypes and NO YELLING which is supposed to pass for hilarious comedy. I always found it a bit too cute for my taste but if you like half-hour comedy stuff, this show and ‘Green Acres’ set the Gold Standard. After this came shows like ‘Maude’ and then ‘Golden Girls’. Still half-hour comedy format but not the ‘relentless’ push on every line being funny the way they’re written today. The story line was allowed to develop throughout the show and each week one character’s ‘personality or character flaws’ would lead the rest of the cast on a merry dance. When you really examine the premise behind each show, there was always a kernel of ‘truth’ on which they were based, which in proving true, was the punchline as well. Today, comedy is personality driven and therefore there’s no story line. It’s merely a showcase for the ’star’s’ quirks and to give the fans a taste of their idol each week. Not based on good storylines and situations.
November 15th, 2005 at 11:46 am
The “Wise Fool,” a truly ironic character, has been a staple for the ages, and Jed is a fine one.
November 15th, 2005 at 12:23 pm
Once again the Manolo has identified virtue in the so-called ordinary, and has eloquently and succinctly described it. And Foreigndevil has taken it a step further. Thank you both—I’ve always loved The Beverly Hillbillies and Green Acres, and I couldn’t agree with you more.
November 15th, 2005 at 2:48 pm
“NO YELLING”….
Er, which Beverly Hillbillies are you remembering, dear? My recollection is of Granny howling at the top of her lungs at every opportunity. However, that is probably because the show set my teeth on edge. If you enjoyed it, mazel tov.
November 15th, 2005 at 3:17 pm
I hate that show. But thoughtful analysis of any creative endeavor is always intriguing to me. In this case, the critic trumps the work of “art”!
November 15th, 2005 at 4:12 pm
I had no idea tha Manolo was so into academic fashion!
November 15th, 2005 at 4:43 pm
Jed . . . Jedi. . . Coincidence? I don’t think so. . .
November 16th, 2005 at 11:40 pm
“South Park” has good storylines and situations. There’s a moral in every episode.
You know, I learned something today…